10 Movies & Shows Like Born to Play (2020)

Description: This film combines humor and street basketball culture, focusing on the camaraderie and rivalries that form on the court, similar to the dynamics seen in sports-centered narratives.

Fact: The title was inspired by a real-life comment made by a basketball player who claimed that white men couldn't jump as high as their Black counterparts.

Description: A drama that intertwines basketball with the challenges of urban life, showcasing how the sport can be both an escape and a path to better opportunities.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was a major success, featuring contributions from prominent hip-hop artists and going platinum.

Description: A drama that tackles the ethical dilemmas in college basketball, focusing on the pressures and temptations faced by players and coaches in competitive sports.

Fact: The film features cameos from several real-life basketball stars, including Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, playing fictionalized versions of themselves.

Description: A gripping documentary that follows two high school students with aspirations of becoming professional basketball players, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by young athletes.

Fact: Despite its critical acclaim, the film was not nominated for Best Documentary at the Oscars, leading to a change in the Academy's nomination process for documentaries.

Description: A story that explores the complex relationship between a father and son through the lens of basketball, emphasizing themes of redemption and the pressures of athletic success.

Fact: The film features real-life NBA player Ray Allen in his acting debut, playing the lead role of Jesus Shuttlesworth.

Description: While not solely about basketball, this film explores mentorship and the bond formed between a reclusive writer and a young student-athlete, emphasizing personal growth and potential.

Fact: The film's title character was inspired by real-life author J.D. Salinger, known for his reclusive nature.

Description: This movie tells the inspiring true story of a basketball team that broke racial barriers, highlighting themes of perseverance and teamwork in the face of adversity.

Fact: The film commemorates the 1966 Texas Western Miners, the first team with an all-Black starting lineup to win the NCAA championship.

Description: This film portrays the transformative power of sports, focusing on a high school basketball team whose coach emphasizes discipline and education alongside athletic achievement.

Fact: The movie is based on the true story of Ken Carter, who made headlines in 1999 for benching his undefeated team due to poor academic performance.

Description: This documentary series delves deep into the world of professional basketball, showcasing the dedication, struggles, and triumphs of athletes, much like the journey depicted in sports dramas.

Fact: The series was originally planned for a June 2020 release but was moved up to April due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a much-needed distraction for sports fans worldwide.

Description: A story of personal redemption through sports, where a struggling alcoholic finds purpose by coaching a high school basketball team, mirroring the transformative journeys often seen in sports films.

Fact: Ben Affleck, who stars in the film, drew from his own experiences with addiction to portray the protagonist, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance.